Answers (7)
1
Hi Nocole,
personal training is not covered through Medicare. This has been a long standing argument. Only physical therapy is covered.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnccom
personal training is not covered through Medicare. This has been a long standing argument. Only physical therapy is covered.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnccom
1
There is one context of which I am aware where yoga is covered by Medicare: when it is part of the Ornish program for heart disease. Or course, what is being covered is not the yoga per se, but a multi intervention approach to the multifactorial disease. If you are unaware of Dr. Ornish you might look up his original ground breaking research. It was so beautifully designed it ought to be a model of how all such research is done.
I doubt a yoga teacher could run such a program solo, as it requires a team approach, and is generally done in a cardiac rehab setting,, but you could look into making connections within local cardiac rehab programs. If you would be serious about making these connections you probably would want to do your 200 or 500 hour, if you haven't (I didn't see it on your profile). I know people who work within the research community (I've had opportunities, but I am part time and this is rather more of a commitment than I want). It seems to pay well so competition is fierce.
I think what you want though is not a whole new area, but to do medical reimbursement through your existing practice, and Karin is right that that currently is not an option. (Though again, I know PTs who also do yoga within their PT, and even a few physicians who use it.... but they bill as PTs and MDs). This may change, as groups like the Alliance are lobbying for more recognition.
It is kind of a two edged sword.... the services for which one can bill tend to have pretty strict requirements on standards of those who practice, as well as licensure, and lots of costs associated with being ok'd by the state, and huge, huge amounts of paperwork. Student registrations and waivers are nothing compared to what medicare would require. My question would be whether the costs that are likely to accrue to the average yoga teacher would be matched by the new revenue stream.
I doubt a yoga teacher could run such a program solo, as it requires a team approach, and is generally done in a cardiac rehab setting,, but you could look into making connections within local cardiac rehab programs. If you would be serious about making these connections you probably would want to do your 200 or 500 hour, if you haven't (I didn't see it on your profile). I know people who work within the research community (I've had opportunities, but I am part time and this is rather more of a commitment than I want). It seems to pay well so competition is fierce.
I think what you want though is not a whole new area, but to do medical reimbursement through your existing practice, and Karin is right that that currently is not an option. (Though again, I know PTs who also do yoga within their PT, and even a few physicians who use it.... but they bill as PTs and MDs). This may change, as groups like the Alliance are lobbying for more recognition.
It is kind of a two edged sword.... the services for which one can bill tend to have pretty strict requirements on standards of those who practice, as well as licensure, and lots of costs associated with being ok'd by the state, and huge, huge amounts of paperwork. Student registrations and waivers are nothing compared to what medicare would require. My question would be whether the costs that are likely to accrue to the average yoga teacher would be matched by the new revenue stream.
1
Some seniors receive Veterans Aid & Assistance to hire help for their personal care. They have to have a disability and there are other requirements. The aid you would give them is to regain their strength and balance and help maintain and improve their health obviously. More info at: www.veteransaidbenefit.org.
Regarding Medicare, the only thing I know that is covered is group SilverSneakers classes. As an independent instructor you can contract with Healthways to teach group exercise FLEX classes without being assWWPociated with a gym. More info is also online.
Regarding Medicare, the only thing I know that is covered is group SilverSneakers classes. As an independent instructor you can contract with Healthways to teach group exercise FLEX classes without being assWWPociated with a gym. More info is also online.
0
Karin's answer is my understanding as well. But I never tried to contact Medicare directly. It can't hurt to make an inquiry. I will add giving it a try to my list of things to give a try.
0
I agree with the others. Unfortunately as long as our industry remains unregulated, I doubt Medicare or any other similar programs will cover personal and/or fitness training.
0
Hello Nicole Cartailler,
That's a nice idea in concept; but, I fear the paperwork that would go along with accepting insurance; otherwise, I would fight for this. To help people, I let them make payments.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
That's a nice idea in concept; but, I fear the paperwork that would go along with accepting insurance; otherwise, I would fight for this. To help people, I let them make payments.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
0
Here is what I found online:
http://www.medicare.gov/coverage/fitness-programs.html
https://www.humana.com/medicare-support/benefits/health-programs/silvers...
http://www.acefitness.org/blog/2175/medicare-physician-reimbursement-for...
https://suite.io/pixie-alexander/4xv922h
Maybe this helps with your answer.
http://www.medicare.gov/coverage/fitness-programs.html
https://www.humana.com/medicare-support/benefits/health-programs/silvers...
http://www.acefitness.org/blog/2175/medicare-physician-reimbursement-for...
https://suite.io/pixie-alexander/4xv922h
Maybe this helps with your answer.
